Catalytic asymmetric total synthesis of (+)-artalbic acid.

The first total synthesis of (+)-artalbic acid has been accomplished using asymmetric allylation of an acetoacetate derivative with a phase-transfer catalyst. This synthetic work was completed in 12 steps from isopropyl acetoacetate with high stereocontrol. In addition, the absolute configuration of naturally occurring artalbic acid was determined to be 7S, 9S, and 10S.